Flying with a Baby: How to Buy an Infant Plane Ticket

Traveling with a baby is an exciting experience that also requires careful planning from the very beginning. From packing your luggage to arranging airport transportation, everything needs to be organized. One of the most common concerns for parents is the ticketing process. Questions such as "Do babies need a separate plane ticket?", "How does seat selection work?", and "What documents are required?" are among the most frequently researched topics before a flight.

In this guide, we've explained everything parents need to know about booking a flight with an infant, including age limits, ticket pricing, required documents, and airport procedures.

What Is an Infant Plane Ticket?

In air travel, passengers who have not yet reached their second birthday (24 months) are classified as infants. An infant plane ticket is a special type of ticket issued for children in this age group, allowing them to travel safely with an accompanying adult. It comes with its own rules, conditions, and pricing policies.

How to Buy a Plane Ticket for an Infant

Since infants cannot travel alone, their tickets must always be issued together with an accompanying adult passenger.

How to Enter Infant Passenger Information

When selecting passengers on an airline booking platform, choose both the number of Adults and Infants (0–2 years). On the passenger information page, enter the infant's first name, last name, and most importantly, their date of birth (day/month/year) accurately. Providing the correct birth date is essential because airline systems use this information to verify the infant's eligibility.

How to Add an Infant Ticket to an Adult Booking

If you book your own ticket and the infant's ticket at the same time, the booking system will automatically link the infant to the accompanying adult's reservation.

If you have already purchased your ticket and later decide to add your baby, you must contact the airline's customer service or visit the airline ticket office at the airport to add the infant to your existing reservation (PNR).

What Is the Age Limit for Infant Passengers?

In air travel, the infant passenger category covers children from birth up to 24 months (under 2 years old).

One important point to remember is that the infant's age on the return flight matters. For example, if your child is 23 months old on the departure date but turns two before the return flight, they will be considered a child passenger on the return journey and must have their own seat.

How Are Infant Ticket Prices Determined?

Many parents assume infants traveling on a lap fly for free, but this is not entirely accurate. Infant ticket fees vary depending on the airline and whether the flight is domestic or international.

Domestic Flights

Most airlines charge a fixed and relatively low infant service fee or tax.

International Flights

For international routes, airlines generally charge around 10% of the adult base fare (excluding taxes), although policies vary by airline.

Does an Infant Get Their Own Seat?

There are two travel options when flying with an infant, depending on your budget and comfort preferences.

Purchasing a Separate Seat for an Infant

If you prefer your baby to travel in their own seat, you can purchase a separate child fare instead of an infant ticket. In this case, you must bring an airline-approved child safety seat (car seat) and securely install it on the aircraft seat in accordance with airline safety regulations.

Required Documents for Infant Passengers

When checking in and boarding your flight, you must present your baby's travel documents.

Domestic Flights

• A valid Turkish national ID card displaying the infant's Turkish Identification Number.

International Flights

• A valid passport issued in the infant's name.
• A valid visa if required by the destination country.

Differences Between Domestic and International Infant Travel

For domestic flights, a valid ID card is sufficient for ticketing and boarding.

Do Infants Have a Baggage Allowance?

Yes. Even when traveling on an adult's lap, many airlines provide baggage allowance for infant passengers.

Typically, infants receive 10 kg (22 lbs) of checked baggage allowance on both domestic and international flights, although cabin baggage allowances vary by airline.

Strollers and baby buggies can usually be checked free of charge at the check-in counter or boarding gate and transported in the aircraft's cargo hold at no additional cost.

Things to Consider When Booking an Infant Ticket

• Birth Date Accuracy: The birth date on the ticket must exactly match the infant's official identification documents.
• One Infant Per Adult Rule: For safety reasons, one adult may travel with only one lap infant. If one adult is traveling with two infants, one infant must have a separately purchased seat and travel in an approved child safety seat.
• Seat Selection: Passengers traveling with infants are not permitted to sit in emergency exit rows due to aircraft safety regulations.

Booking an Infant Ticket Through Gidiyorum.com

When booking your trip through Gidiyorum.com, simply select the number of infant passengers in the traveler selection section on the homepage.

Gidiyorum.com transparently displays the infant pricing policies and baggage allowances offered by different airlines on your selected route, allowing you to compare options and book the most suitable flight for both you and your baby with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Plane Tickets

Is an Infant Plane Ticket Mandatory?

Yes. Even if the infant travels on an adult's lap and does not occupy a separate seat, every infant must have a valid ticket and be listed on the flight manifest.

Can a Newborn Fly?

According to most airline policies, newborns are generally not permitted to fly within the first 48 hours after birth.

Infants aged 2 to 7 days usually require a physician-issued "Fit to Fly" certificate if air travel is medically necessary.

Once the baby is 7 days old, they can typically travel without a medical certificate, subject to the airline's policies.

Does an Infant Need Identification?

Yes. A valid government-issued identity document is required to verify the infant's ticket and complete check-in and boarding procedures.

Does an Infant Receive a Separate PNR?

Infants traveling on an adult's lap generally do not receive an independent Passenger Name Record (PNR). Instead, their reservation is linked directly to the accompanying adult's booking.

If a separate seat is purchased for the infant, the airline system may generate a linked reservation.

Can an Infant Be Added After the Ticket Has Been Purchased?

Yes. If you purchased your own ticket first and later need to add your baby, you can contact the airline's customer service before your flight or visit the airline's airport ticket office to add the infant to your existing reservation after paying any applicable fees.